Organisation History

DAIS was formed by members of the Kiewa and Ovens Valley Disability Self Help Group whose focus was on systemic advocacy issues.

In 1990 it was recognised by the Group that the service demands being placed on the voluntary members were way beyond its capacity. The Group identified a need for a regional council in the area as an umbrella organisation for self-help groups as well as a direct resource for individual client issues.

Several attempts were made to lobby for funds from the State Government in Victoria, finally resulting in sufficient funds to employ a full-time worker to manage both systemic and individual advocacy issues. This position was initially funded for two years and a further submission to the Commonwealth Government resulted in the establishment of the Disabled Persons Regional Council, now known as DAIS, in 1992.

DAIS was the original founder of the Victorian model of advocacy and provided significant assistance in establishing further services throughout Victoria. A key component of the management structure is the requirement that office bearers on Committees of Management be individuals with a disability or carers of people with a disability.